Pledged to a Highlander (Highland Promise Trilogy 1)

She lowered herself to the ground and try as she might not to shed tears, she couldn’t help it. That day five years ago had torn family and friends apart, destroyed lives, and altered futures. She would never forget it and she would never stop shedding tears when the memories rose up to torment her.

Royden had purposely ignored his wife. Every time he saw her, she looked more beautiful than the time before. And every time he saw her, his loins would stir with such an ache that he had to distance himself for fear of doing something foolish.

He wanted his wife with a fierce hunger. A hunger he had never known before. Even the hunger he had had for her five years ago when they were to wed was nothing to the hunger he had for her now. Perhaps it was because he was now far too familiar with the pleasure of coupling. And he wondered—more ached—to see if he would find the deep satisfaction he was looking for with Oria that he had never achieved with another woman. Whatever it was, he didn’t know how long he could fight it.

When he had seen her smile, had seen the way her soft blonde hair had fallen haphazardly around her neck and face, his first thought had been to free her hair of the combs and run his fingers through her silky waves, inhale the fresh scent of her, and taste the minty flavor that forever lingered on her lips.

She was his wife and he had a duty to consummate his marriage. And it troubled him that he delayed it, since she could be taken from him far too easily if he didn’t seal their vows. But how did he touch his wife, leave his mark on her, when he had done such horrible things?

“We extended the field as you ordered,” Penn said, pulling Royden out of his reverie. “And, the good Lord willing, we’ll have a bountiful crop of oats and barely this year.”

Clearing his head with a slight shake, Royden responded, “That is good to hear.”

“Stuart finished the repairs to his roof’s cottage faster than I’ve ever seen done. He claims it’s because he doesn’t want the roof leaking on his bare arse while he pokes his wife.” Penn laughed. “He’s helping repair the other roofs now.”

Royden didn’t want to hear about bare arses and poking wives since he wasn’t poking his wife, but he listened and offered a comment. “Anything that gets the repairs done. Besides, Stuart’s been away from his wife far too long.”

And I’ve been away from Oria far too long and I shouldn’t waste any time in making love to her. Far too much time has already been lost.

“Have you sent the hunters out?” Royden asked, needing to get away from thoughts of husbands poking wives.

“I did and some have already returned. Today’s kill will be spread among the villagers.” Penn cleared his throat. “Many have been wondering when the Great Hall will be available for meals once again as it once was in your da’s time.”

“Soon,” Royden said, though wasn’t truly certain. More tables needed repairs and the stone walls were so bare without the tapestries. He could only do so much, though it was important the clan had a place to freely congregate and feel like family once again. Perhaps that was why he delayed seeing to the Great Hall. Something was missing… his family. Oria was his family now, but he wouldn’t rest until Arran and his sister, Raven, were home, and he found out his da’s fate.

“Chieftain,” Angus called out.

Royden turned, still not comfortable with the respectful title. It belonged to his da and every time he heard it, his heart broke a bit more at losing the man who had taught him much about being a man.

“What is it, Angus?” Royden asked.

“With all that has gone on, I’m more cautious, wearier than I once was, so seeing Mistress Oria enter the woods alone, by the oak tree, I thought it best you be informed.”

Royden’s brow rose sharply. “I appreciate your keen eye, Angus.”

“A keen eye is needed,” Angus said and looked to Penn before he walked away.

“Will I ever be accepted here into the clan?” Penn asked.

“That’s up to you,” Royden said and walked away as well, his strides strong and fast as he headed to the woods.

He heard Oria’s sobs when only a few paces into the woods and it tore at his heart. He hurried forward and spotted her seated on the ground, her face buried in her hands as she wept. He didn’t hesitate to go to her.

He bent down in front of her and with his arm around her waist and his other arm slipping beneath her legs, he scooped her up against him.

She gasped but only a moment. Seeing she was in his arms, she laid her head on his shoulder and let her tears fall.